by Nini Church
A big Jinn in formal council dress headed towards them. He nodded and bowed at the waist to his King. “Sir, may I lead you and our Queen into the chamber? The decision has been called.”
She kept her fake smile in place, but gripped Jericho’s hand tightly. He squeezed back. It was comforting to know he was right there beside her.
From a back room the Council filed in, a row of swishing black robes, and took their seats at the long dais.
Marklon’s gavel pounded once as he called the session to order. “Queen Sullivan, please step forward. We have taken a decision on all charges. We will rule on only three pertaining to you.
"As to the death of Tess Danbury, we find you innocent. There is no evidence or proof her death came by your hand. As to an unlawful killing, we find you innocent. As to any knowledge or causation of the death of this individual we find you innocent.”
Marklon pounded his gavel again. “As to other matters, we have also ruled on charges against Tess Danbury. For the kidnapping of your said person, Queen Sullivan, while under the protection of King Sullivan we find Tess Danbury guilty. In the process now, an order is being written that the Danbury family pay forfeiture of their lands in repatriation of the heinous deeds committed against Queen Sullivan.”
Abe’s head swung up, over her shoulder she spied Jericho. A simple nod from him told it was her decision – he’d stand with her. Now and forever. “No, I refuse repatriation in that form. I wish the Danbury family to cede only enough property to build a hospital. It will be the first Jericho's Hospital.”
Jericho let out a long breath he didn't know he’d been holding. Tears – yeah fucking tears – burned the back of his eyes – never in a million would he ever have guessed she had already chosen a name for her hospitals and never would he have ever guessed what she intended to name them.
Reed shifted so he was partly facing Jericho. He smirked. It was an old signal between them. The message clear – Fuck, man, you got a winner here.
The gallery of select invitees completely stilled – the Council sat frozen in place – many with gaping expressions – questioning if Queen Sullivan was for real.
The current head of the Danbury family, Albert Ebenezer, was on his feet when the Queen spoke and now made his way down from the back tier.
“My lady,” he bowed deeply. “Lord Albert Ebenezer Danbury at your service.”
“Well met.” Abe’s simple acknowledgement threw him as he blinked rapidly.
Scrambling to explain, he said, “Tess Danbury is but a distant cousin with no direct family. My humble apologies, forgive me, we meant no harm.” He bowed his head, chin almost on his chest.
Abe wasn’t a pushover. Never had been, never would be, nor did she stand on custom or civility. “Why did you bring these charges against me?”
Albert Ebenezer let out a long regretful sigh. He had to be careful here and not make more trouble for him and his family, but instincts told he must speak the truth. “The Council deemed it a necessary evil, I’m afraid. Without official death papers, her estate is in limbo and many property titles reside in her name. We only requested a ruling from Council on the matter. Again my heartfelt apologies.”
Abe’s emerald green eyes honed on those at the council table.
Jericho remained stoic as he crossed massive arms over his chest, shoulders back and shifting in behind his mate. He didn’t touch Abe, but by her tiny sigh – a tell – she knew he was right there. A fine Queen indeed. Abe was a natural born ruler and she was all his.
Imperiously, Abe lifted her chin as she tilted her head. “I have a request of Council.”
“Request?” Marklon’s eyes were twinkling now. “Please proceed.”
Emerald eyes flashed as did the humongous pink diamond on her left hand. “I ask the Danbury family to tear down that structure where so many were tortured, including me.”
Reed Stetson preened beside her, chest puffing and shoulders rearing back.
Marklon kept his brow raised only higher this time. As Queen of the Jinn her request must be considered. He eyed Jericho, standing close to his mate. By the expression on the big Jinn’s face, Lon knew Jericho wasn’t going to give an inch – whatever his Queen requested must be granted.
As a wide smile threatened, it took Marklon a moment to get a sombre expression back on his face and in his voice. “As Lead to the Council of Nine, I am sure the Danbury’s will accept your request.” He pounded his gavel once. “So be it. The structure will be raised to the ground as Queen Sullivan has requested.”
Lord Danbury did not move, his eyes watering now – he could not believe his luck. Earlier as he sat in the back tier reflecting on how much tragedy and sorrow Tess had caused the family – he wasn’t sad she was dead. He had practiced his speech, one of mercy, a plea for his family who were shunned now – everyone believing they went after Queen and King of the Jinn to gain their own repatriation and damage the Sullivan reputation.
Gossip was rife.
But, it wasn’t that at all and in truth, the family had lands, houses; they weren’t poor by any means. Queen of the Jinn had just ensured it would stay that way, refusing repatriation from the Danbury family – except for what might turn out to be a very small portion of the Danbury holdings.
Truly, Queen of the Jinn was an incredible female – one he meant to pay liege to as he would her mate. Whatever lands she wanted were hers – he would give her that and so much more. It mesmerized Albert to consider the first Jericho’s Hospital would be built upon family land donated to her cause. As for the structure where she had been held and most likely tortured by Tess, Albert had already ordered it razed to the ground.
In clear deference this time, Abe bowed her head to the remaining Council.
Marklon’s gavel hit once. “Queen Annabelle Eloise Sullivan nee Evergreen this Council orders all charges against you be cleared and the records expunged. You are free to go. Session adjourned.”
Abe rushed to Jericho, wrapping her arms around his waist, hugging him tightly. “Did you hear that? I’m free.”
Filled with pride, Jericho wore a shit eating grin. In truth though, the most freedom Abe was ever gonna get was maybe ten feet away from him. He learned fast that letting her out of his sight only meant trouble. With a capital T.
He swept her into his arms, trying not to crush her stomach while enjoying her glorious breasts almost in his face. Eyes dropping, he surveyed his treasures. “I love you, my Queen. Now and forever. Myn Lykyng.”
EPILOGUE
Fuck!
Seven days – only seven.
Not nearly enough.
A sliver of time in the broad spectrum of their lives. Jericho wanted – hell might even demand – another seven and another. An endless time alone with Abe and he was sure it wouldn’t be enough.
She cooked dinner as he diced salad veggies. Sipping a large glass of milk, he licked away her milk moustache as a wide grin lit up her gorgeous green eyes. It was a pleasure just to be around her.
In the afternoon, after waking very late, they sunbathed on the roof top terrace and were planning on dining up there with a nice fire to keep the cool night from spoiling the ambiance.
This place – an oasis in the storm of their lives – where they thrived in the peace and beauty of being alone with one another was truly the ultimate gift.
After setting the table and putting Abe’s milk glass to ice, he turned the hot plate on. For a starter, salad with tons of veg, then pasta as the main course this evening. Abe’s homemade sauce good enough that his tongue tingled, crying for a taste.
Her attention to detail once again astonished him. The place settings were colorful yet simple and the candle scented with only a hint of mint. None of this was done for others – Abe had taken the time for him. She wanted it perfect for him.
All of it.
Every. Fucking. Minute.
Jericho hustled back downstairs meeting his mate half way up with a hot pack full of cheesy garlic brea
d and a bottle of his favorite beer.
Abe had already told him it was important to her that he enjoyed, took these few sweet moments to lay his shit down.
First time ever and only with Abe.
A wide white grin slipped out. It’d never stop; Abe and her firsts for him were just part of it. She was meant to lead him to new ground, new beginnings.
For the first two days, they made slow languid love. Every time he tried to get out of bed, Abe snagged him. When she made an attempt, he captured her with one more kiss, one more caress. They blended as one, lived and breathed each other.
Jericho made runs for the kitchen, but wouldn’t allow Abe out of bed and it had nothing to do with her pregnancy.
They showered, ate and slept together – a glorious opportunity.
On the third morning with Abe sleeping peacefully, he heard the solid beat of her heart next to him and then another as expected. A strange echo repeated when the third heart beat came again. Oddly it sounded hollow, echoing back on itself, but sturdy and strong. What the hell? Was something wrong?
His body froze – his heart did too – but his mind tripped onwards.
Jinn senses on full alert, Jericho breathed through it.
The echoing heartbeat was feminine. Delicate, but strong like Abe.
WTF?
A sly grin slipped onto his handsome face, deep blue eyes lit with amusement – were they having a girl?
A girl – like Abe.
Fists up and ready to have a go at anyone who doubted her?
Jericho held the stillness inside, waiting patiently for another touch of her bright spirit. His hearing, well beyond what many considered normal, picked up only silence now. He waited long moments, heart in sync with Abe, but there was only one more beat – bold and strong – beyond the two of theirs.
He stared into space, full of awe and wonder. He hadn't considered a girl. It blew him sideways and unsettled his balance. This was a fucking game changer. His babe was a female?
Finally, snug in thoughts of a chubby green eyed female babe who would likely be nothing if not challenge upon challenge as was her mother, Jericho gave into the early morning heat stretching across them as Abe slept on and he drowsed happily, safe and out in the open – another first and another...
Their late night on the rooftop deck, three stories up – warded to the hilt and safely surrounded on all sides by high stone walls as well as guarded from below – was the best sex they had to date. Neither of them needed to see out over the grounds – above to the heavens with stars glowing and shining over them was more than enough. A magical night.
A sweet, contented smile turned up the corners of his mouth before he drifted off.
A priority, Roald Gildwood took Jericho and Abe’s security very seriously. King and Queen of the Jinn in his compound meant high alert. His mate Eshter – considered a good friend of the Queen – was thrilled to have them. His warriors were also honored to host a male of Jericho’s stature.
They hadn't seen either King or Queen yet. But Esh had hopes they would surface.
In time.
Roald grinned – hell he would love to have Esh alone for a couple of days in a row never mind a solid week.
He admired Jericho and what he stood for. Had known the Jinn a long, long time and he had never veered off course and hadn't changed much at all in the time he had known Jericho.
Tried and true that one – Jericho said what he meant and meant what he said – a male of his word. An unsurpassed Jinn of true worth in this ugly world, a royal of First Blood and First Order and born to be King.
For Jericho anything – for his mate Abe, the world.
For Eshter, the love of Roald’s life, the universe.
In. That. Fucking. Order.
Reno whistled softly as Zu picked it up and Conn echoed it. Cal – Rogered that – in their ear buds. Jericho might think he was on his own, but that was never gonna happen on Reno’s watch. Or the rest of his elite team.
Roald Gildwood walked out of the mists, hands spread wide, a big grin in place. "Me – I got this one. Time for bed, boys."
Reno snorted loudest as Zulu's beads clattered – it sounded like he was laughing.
Days later when the four dined together – an exquisite and intimate meal among real friends – for a split second, Roald scanned the room – he didn't want the sensations of joy and happiness to disappear without him taking notice.
Now, everything he ever wanted was right here.
A simple moment in time, but for Roald it was perfect.
Peace, harmony and an incredibly loving atmosphere graced their lives.
Both females laughed loudly, enjoying themselves.
Roald's honey brown eyes glistened – utterly grateful to be living every second while appreciating it all. When he lifted his head, he met the telltale steady deep blue eyes of King of the Jinn – piercing eyes edged with passionate purple.
Roald caught but a glimpse of Jericho’s intensity in that fierce and fiery purple hue, knowing the big Jinn was also capturing the essence of serene beauty in these incredible moments – very rare moments that came but once or twice sometimes thrice in a lifetime.
In unison, both males took deep breaths – they were on the same page.
Just this.
This was what it all came down to.
These fleetingly sweet moments.
Both males locked eyes, silently agreeing that no matter what – this was one for the memory books.
This single segment of beauty, serene peace and love was what it was all about.
What they worked so hard for.
For the first time, Roald accepted the payoff, a wide gentle smile spreading across his face.
Jericho nodded, a slight grin slipping into place, showing that he too felt the profoundness of this singular moment, sending a silent message of understanding that passed between the two males. They eyed each other before bowing their heads to one another in acknowledgement and turned to their respective mates.
Incredible females.
Females of true worth.
STAY TUNED
Thanks for reading my book. See a sneak preview of the next book in The Jinn Cycle.
Please visit my website ninichurch.wordpress.com or email me at [email protected]
HAPPY READING!
RENO – The Jinn Cycle – Book Two
Chapter One
Reno paced back and forth. He hated waiting. Didn’t matter what for, he hated it period. Jericho was with his mate Abe, Annabelle, who was about to pop – their firstborn ready to roll earlier than expected.
Reno never felt so unprepared in his life.
Conn should be returning any time with his cousin, a race doctor in quarantine for 48 hours on Jericho’s orders. The good doctor had been exposed to a virulent form of chicken pocks at the race clinic he ran and it was clear as a bell Jericho was taking no chances with his young.
He wondered about Jericho letting another male near his mate – doctor or not. For Reno it was a private issue who touched his mate. Huh? He didn't have a mate. Oddly, he innately knew he would be real uneasy about any male touching what was his. Not Jericho it seemed, he asked repeatedly if Dr. McFeerson had arrived yet.
So much so Reno left the bedroom – hell the fucking house – to get away.
A big male at six foot four and weighing in at a fair two hundred and ninety, gravel crushed under his boots, big nut-brown shit-kickers with steel plates wrapping his feet and ankles for protection.
Dressed in black, he blended.
A flash came from his left.
An incredible lush scent filled him as his cock turned rigid and he pivoted on the ball of one foot to gape at Conn holding the elbow of a gorgeous red head. Gorgeous with a capital G, man. Thick long red hair tied at her nape trailed down her back, stray red curls escaping to curve around her sleek neck. Incredible chocolate brown eyes danced with intelligence as they landed on him.
Reno knew he
was putting it out there by staring, but couldn't pull his attention away.
Amusement twirled in her eyes.
Reno continued taking her in, uncaring that Conn might notice. Her lips, lush on top and bottom, were cherry red and he wanted to kiss each one of the smattering of freckles spread across her pert nose and both cheeks.
Huh.
Thoughts tumbled and he realized why Jericho was unworried about the supposedly and assumed male doctor. Holy hell, she was the sweetest doctor Reno had ever laid eyes on. And more, man, so much more.
Her white blouse buttoned too high did nothing to hide her full rack. Black belt cinched tight around her waist drew his eyes down to wide shapely hips and legs that went on forever. A sweet black skirt well above the knee and high black stilettos did it for him.
Completely.
His cock, now named Rock.
Rock. Hard.
Conn steered his cousin towards Reno, not yet realizing what was going on for the big male. “Me cousin, Aili. Arrrgh – apologies. Dr. McFeerson, this is Reno, Jericho's Second in Command."
Reno was riveted as one gorgeous brow quirked over her amused chocolate brown eyes.
Connor burst the moment. "How’s aer Abe? And aer King? Good like?” A huge male, Conn hadn’t returned to his native Scotland for several centuries, but strangely his brogue thickened as time passed. In truth, he was banned from the Fair Isle – a good story in itself. A strategist and warrior, Conn was an integral part of an elite team ruled by Jericho Sullivan, King of Jinn.
Reno shrugged. “Matty’s with her. Pain is getting worse. Nice to meet you, Dr. Aili." He gave her his best smile – wide and white – Hollywood style. "Let’s go inside. Jericho is frantic. I'm hopin' he’ll settle now that you’re here.”